What Is Another Way to Say “Self-Pity”?

Looking for synonyms for self-pity? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say self-pity.

  • Self-commiseration
  • Self-sorrow
  • Self-mourning
  • Self-woe
  • Self-rue
  • Self-sympathy
  • Self-grief
  • Self-sadness
  • Self-lamentation
  • Martyrdom
  • Self-indulgence
  • Wallowing
  • Navel-gazing
  • Victim mentality
  • Self-absorption

Want to learn how to say self-pity professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Self-commiseration

Used to describe a situation where someone excessively feels sorry for themselves.
Example: “After the project failure, he indulged in self-commiseration rather than seeking solutions.”

2. Self-sorrow

Appropriate for expressing a deep, personal sadness focused on one’s own misfortunes.
Example: “Her self-sorrow over the missed promotion hindered her from seeing other opportunities.”

3. Self-mourning

Used when someone dwells on their own distress or failures.
Example: “He was in a state of self-mourning after his proposal was rejected by the board.”

4. Self-woe

Suitable for instances where one is overly focused on their own troubles or miseries.
Example: “She was overwhelmed with self-woe when she didn’t receive the expected recognition at work.”

5. Self-rue

Refers to regretting or feeling sorry for oneself, often over past actions.
Example: “His self-rue over past investment decisions affected his current financial planning.”

6. Self-sympathy

Used when someone is excessively sympathetic towards their own hardships.
Example: “Self-sympathy after the team’s critique led him to ignore constructive feedback.”

7. Self-grief

Indicates a deep sorrow or lament for one’s own situation or failures.
Example: “She experienced self-grief after her project was discontinued.”

8. Self-sadness

Appropriate for a persistent feeling of sadness focused on oneself.
Example: “His self-sadness about his career progression clouded his judgment in meetings.”

9. Self-lamentation

Refers to the expression of sorrow or regret, primarily focused on oneself.
Example: “There was a noticeable self-lamentation in her tone when discussing the project’s outcome.”

10. Martyrdom

Used to describe a situation where someone perceives themselves as a victim to elicit sympathy.
Example: “He often portrayed a sense of martyrdom when faced with workplace challenges.”

11. Self-indulgence

Indicates overindulgence in one’s own feelings of sadness or pity.
Example: “Her self-indulgence in personal problems affected her team’s morale.”

12. Wallowing

Suitable for describing when someone indulges in their own misfortunes or negative emotions.
Example: “Wallowing in the failure of the last campaign, he failed to see new opportunities.”

Refers to excessive self-absorption and introspection, often pitying oneself.
Example: “The manager’s navel-gazing after the criticism led to a lack of action.”

14. Victim mentality

Used when someone consistently sees themselves as a victim and seeks sympathy.
Example: “Her victim mentality in response to feedback prevented professional growth.”

15. Self-absorption

Describes being preoccupied with one’s own emotional woes and problems.
Example: “His self-absorption with personal issues detracted from team collaboration.”

Linda Brown